Looking for information about Somerville - Two young professional females looking to relocate

[briannakimball134]

Thank you all for your responses. I truly appreciate your help! We have found some apartments in our price range, but we might also try looking in Medford, as well. Thank you!

[dapeaz]

Originally Posted by briannakimball134

Do you know hoe much it costs to register a car and get a parking permit?

Somerville public schools benefits include a ZipCar registration!

Brianna, I sent you a PM about this post. I have a great deal of specifics to contribute concerning the employment as a teacher. What I can tell you is that while Massachusetts does have reciprocity with many states, it will be almost impossible to get a teaching job at the secondary level without extra certifications, namely special ed and/or ELL. Many districts in the area recommend starting as subs. Somerville Public Schools currently has a listing on SchoolSpring for district wide subs, and from what I can tell talking to the very kind people at HR, they're open minded to all applicants willing to visit their office for an interview.

[Northern-Mike]

Somerville has really gentrified during the past 20 years or so. You used to not want to be either in East Somerville, Winter Hill or Union Square at all. With the exception of East Somerville, you will do fine in the rest of the area.

[Giodante]

I grew up in Somerville and have lived here for most of my life. People will talk a lot about the gentrification, but for the locals it boils down to "townies," "hipsters," and "immigrants," with neighborhoods for each. They're all safe, although the flavor and prices will vary depending on what you want.

Immigrants are generally from South America and are primarily in East Somerville, with pockets in Winter Hill and Union Square. These areas are most affordable and despite what you may hear otherwise, are perfectly safe now. A lot has changed in the past few years and people who don't live here aren't usually up to speed.

"Townies" are what some here refer to locals, often working-class, who have generations of family here. Lots of Irish, Italian, and Portuguese families, but we have everyone from everywhere. Extremely diverse. Very good people to live around, generally, with neighborhoods in the middle price-wise and usually quiet streets. Can be found in all neighborhoods.

Hipsters are taking over! This is the "gentrification" you might hear about, and it involves lots of coffee shops and niche businesses. Generally a younger crowd who would be at home in trendy parts of Brooklyn. Expect farmers markets, macs, and lots of cats, dogs, and bicycles. Expensive to live around this crowd.

There are two dog parks in Somerville, but finding a rental that will accept a dog, especially a large one, is very challenging unless you're willing to pay a high rent.

Somerville is an amazing place to live though. Very culturally unique, and unlike any place I've ever been. No matter which neighborhood you live, you'll have a great time and I'm sure you'll love it. Just beware the winters.

Medford is great as well. Basically how Somerville used to be before the immigrants and hipsters started coming en masse. I'd highly recommend checking it out as well.